In a message dated 5/1/00 8:29:11 PM, BelcherT@aol.com writes: << This is where I have hit a wall. I haven't found any record of a marriage prior to Martha Mitchell. It appears that at least nine and perhaps ten of the children were born prior to Isham's marriage to Martha. Was she the mother or was there a spouse prior to Martha? >> Barbara, >From Franklin Co. Marriage Records (Bev Merritt) is Catherine T. Belcher, d/o Isham and Martha, b. 25 Oct 1837, m. 5 Mar 1858 Henry A. Mason age 30 s/o John A. and Mary Mason. ALSO. Franklin co. Bonds (Bev Merritt) Ischam Belcher m. Patsy Hodges 1/3/1791 (bond date) ND for marriage. Ischam Belcher m. Patsy Mitchell 1/4/1836 (bond date) ND for marriage. -=-=-=-= >From "somewhere"? I picked up that the first wife's name may have been "Catherine", but that could be an error on my part....? What's this do for you????? Peter Ramsey bervi@aol.com